Kecia Lewis Calls Out Patti LuPone for "Microaggressive" Comments on "Hell's Kitchen" Volume

Broadway is buzzing with controversy as "Hell's Kitchen" star Kecia Lewis openly criticized theater legend Patti LuPone for her comments on the show’s noise levels, calling them a “microaggression.” The tension arose after LuPone, who stars in the play “The Roommate” in a theater next door, reportedly complained to theater owners about the volume of "Hell's Kitchen," which has a predominantly Black cast, calling it “too loud.”

Lewis, who plays Miss Liza Jane in the Alicia Keys-inspired musical and won a Tony Award for her performance, took to Instagram with an open letter addressing LuPone’s comments. She explained that referring to the show as “loud” in a dismissive way can reinforce harmful stereotypes, labeling it as “racially microaggressive.”

According to Lewis, LuPone reached out to the theater owners rather than the show's team, asking them to reduce the volume of sound cues—a request that led to changes in “Hell's Kitchen” and disrupted performers' routines. Although LuPone reportedly sent flowers in appreciation, Lewis found the gesture “out of touch,” arguing that the cast had to adjust at her behest.

Lewis suggests that if there are concerns, LuPone’s team should contact "Hell's Kitchen" directly rather than going through the theater owners. She called on LuPone to use her platform to uplift diverse productions instead of, in her words, “tearing them down,” and asked for an apology. So far, LuPone’s representatives have not responded.

"Hell's Kitchen," which opened on Broadway in April, received high praise, earning 13 Tony nominations and winning two at the June ceremony. The conversation has since sparked a broader dialogue on respect and inclusivity within the theater community.